THE term ‘rolling stones’ has long been used for people who move from one place to another, especially in pursuit of a living, but ‘rolling ashes’ is a relatively new term. It encapsulates the emotions of grief and sorrow. In Pakistan, for instance, the people happen to be the rolling ashes.

These burning souls regret being part of a nation where corruption has no limit, inequality prevails, and only the wealthy are respected. Instead of progressing in healthcare, education and quality of life, we are just progressing in unemployment, mental illness, inclement weather, wars, lack of unity, and all kinds of social ills and evils.

Regardless of what the law says about the minimum wages, there are hundreds of thousands of people who receive wages way below the legal wage. And they get it only when the boss happens to be in the mood. They cannot complain to anyone as there is no job security, and they can be fired any time.

The rolling ashes in Pakistan have another horrible story in the shape of electricity tariff and other basic amenities that make people more vulnerable. How will the common man pay an inflated K-Electric (KE) bill worth Rs15,000 when the salary is, say, Rs32,000?

Climate change is another burning issue that is now affecting the whole of Pakistan. Those who work under the scorching sun are more susceptible to heatstroke. From heatwaves to floods, the common man has to put up with harsh weather patterns with no government support. Will the poor be able to afford proper medical treatment for their life-threatening conditions?

From loadshedding to public transport, the suffering of the rolling ashes has no end in sight. How much do our people need to suffer? Will there ever be an end to this misery?

Our youngsters are seriously vulnerable to mental health issues. This is the story of the middle and upper-middle classes. What they are inhaling is toxins, what they are seeing is inflation, and what they are hearing is the muttering of discontent. There is stress and depression in the air, it seems. Does anyone have a solution?

Arisha Irshad Ali
Karachi

Published in Dawn, July 29th, 2024